Half Dome Hiking records – No one keeps them

I got a nice email from a woman last week. Her father is 87 and will be hiking Half Dome this summer. She was curious if he will be the oldest person ever to make the trip to the top. He last did the hike 9 years ago and is determined to do it again. There are no real “records” kept on the hike. Only word of mouth or boasting.

The Yosemite Climbing Assn doesn’t keep those kind of records. This is great inspiration for all of us. I gotta meet this man. My new friend, Richard Sogg is now 83 and he only recently told me he ran out of gas for the entire 16 miles. Still his hiking and climbing experience is impressive.

As far as records, a man emailed me saying his son did the hike to the top at age 5. I think that’s way too young for a little body to go. MOST kids I see are about 10. 12 seems like a better age – but you know your children.

I know two men who are now shooting for their 100th hike up Half Dome. They both may make it this summer …. permits not withstanding. Wow, I’m proud of my 40 times. It’s an obsession for some of us.

Unrelated thought worth quoting:“For what is a man, what has he got? If not himself, then he has naught. To say the things he truly feels and not the words of one who kneels. The record shows I took the blows and did it my way!” – Frank Sinatra

About Mr Half Dome - Rick Deutsch

Mr Half Dome. Has written the only half dome hiking guide, One Best Hike: Yosemite's Half Dome. Has hiked it 31 times to day. Lives in San Jose, CA Available for presentations. Carpe Diem Experience, LLC